Simple ways to love your garden in May

Seven simple ways to love your garden in May

with Sam

love your garden in May

It’s May, and we are settling in for the ever so damp and dreary wintery Melbourne weather. Most of us are setting up to hibernate – wood fire roaring, tea brewing safe from the elements of the outdoors. Don’t be fooled, though; while the rest of the world is hiding under the sheets snuggled up warm and desperate to stay in bed until september, your garden is actually hard at work beneath the surface – preparing for spring. What you do in the month of May can impact winter survival and spring readiness. Here are some of my top tips:

how to love your garden in May

 In the culture of ‘eat your street’, these tips are relevant to gardening in May. You may need to adjust accordingly.

To mulch, or not to mulch. That is the question.

The purpose in mulching in Spring and summer is to discourage weeds and keep the moisture in. But what about in winter? It’s still best to mulch, particularly if you live in a frost-prone area. I’ve come to the conclusion that it’s best to mulch just a little bit less than in summer in order to let some precious sunlight in. When you think about it, there is a naturally occurring mulch from autumn leaves – so perhaps we are ought to mulch after all! Continue reading

Top 5 things to do in Berwick and beyond this weekend.

Top 5 things to do in Berwick and beyond this weekend.

stag-768568_640 The weekend is nearly here.

So we have manned the phones, checked the town square noticeboard and scanned the Parish Newsletter. The votes are in for our Friday Favourites and top tips for the weekend. Berwick Market

1. Market. Visit a market. This weekend we have the Farmers Market @ The Old Cheese Factory in Berwick (Saturday) and also the Belgrave Big Dreamers Market in Belgrave on Sunday. The playground at the Cheese Factory has had a much anticipated make over so take the kids and check it out. Belgrave Big Dreamers Market is always dreamy, hills-y and good.

2. Out of town. I am still smiling from my visit to Impodimo Cafe in Garfield. Go for brunch or lunch and stay a while.

3. Eat somewhere cosy. High tea anyone? The Piggery Cafe put on a beautiful afternoon tea and have also started Piggery Winter Nights dinner service, which I would love to try out.  Our own Primary @ Pioneer Park has great coffee, beautiful scones and lemon tarts and a great lunch menu. coffee-690422_1280

4. Read. Leanne Cole Photography has the most beautiful blog and sometime soon will have a book too, I believe. Or if homewares or decorating are more your thing check out The Design Files.

5. Make. I will be making another batch of Chocolate Cherry Ripe Balls this weekend as they were so simple, and so good. But Sandra over at The $120 Food Challenge posted an amazing recipe for Steamed Golden Syrup Steamed Pudding which looks nearly as good.

I am going to my first ever bloggers conference this weekend. Wish me good vibes. I don’t know anyone and will have to plaster on my friendly face. Pretty excited but also pretty nervous. I’m sure I am not the only one who struggles in a room full of smiling strangers, right?

Whatever your going to do, enjoy it!

Maybe you would like to take a look at some of my other reviews in beautiful Berwick? Try here for brunch, or here for cake or here for my favourite dinner.

Dani xx